Established in 1848, Birmingham Royal Institution for the Blind (brib) has provided education, technology, guidance and support for Birmingham’s visually impaired community for over 150 years. We have continually strived to support people who are blind and vision impaired and have built a strong foundation as part of the City’s community.

In our early years, brib offered opportunities to learn industrial skills and trades. More recently provision has centred around the vocational and life skills which today’s beneficiaries need, and we continue to offer opportunities for people with disabilities to develop new skills, unlock potential and make new friends along the way.

In 1997 brib became ‘parent’ to two independent charities, Focus Birmingham and Queen Alexandra College, who to this day continue the work started by brib. By providing first class support, education and services these charities, supported by brib, have helped thousands of people with visual impairments and other disabilities overcome the challenges life presents.